THE Marlon King – Leroy Lita partnership is one that can blossom for Birmingham City.

Terry McDermott believes that the nascent strike force can produce the goods.

Both scored on Tuesday when Blues beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1, King’s goal from the penalty spot.

And in their first game together at Nottingham Forest they dovetailed promisingly and King also netted.

“I like Leroy,” said assistant manager McDermott.

“It’s because he works hard, he’s good in the air, he obviously got a goal and he can score, he’s quick.

“Don’t forget he hasn’t been playing much football. That was only his second game. And we asked him to do all that in the space of a couple of days.

“I thought he was fantastic and he is a bit different to what we have, because he has got lots of pace.

“I’m sure they’re going to be a good partnership. If I was a defender I wouldn’t want to be marking those two.

“Marlon has been fantastic the last three games. His workrate has been terrific.

“What I like about him is that he gives you everything every single game. No one can ever criticise Marlon for never putting effort in. He’s scoring goals, too, which he’s happy about.

“He said to me before the game on Tuesday that he was leading goalscorer last season and he’s got four now – so hopefully that will continue.”

Blues, who entertain Barnsley on Saturday (5.20pm), are not going to add free agent Paul Robinson to the ranks. The ex-Albion defender played for the under-21 development side on Monday, at centre-half.

But he has been told that Blues are not in a position to offer him anything because of the careful juggling act Clark has to do with the finances.

Blues are also looking at Southend United defender Bilel Mohsni, with a view to a loan.

As he has sat out Southend’s pre-season by choice and has hardly played, Blues are assessing his fitness levels. He also figured in the development match, scoring and also conceding a penalty in a 2-1 win over Forest.

Clark was unable to fulfil his duties addressing the media after the Bolton win due to a sore throat that caused him to lose his voice. He had to cut short a television interview as he could only croak.

So McDermott took over and joked: “The thing is, he lost his voice after about five minutes of the game, so I’m sure the players were pleased about that!”